You’ll be able to spend your complete journey purchasing in Barcelona, given there’s so many fascinating outlets and stalls to browse. However in the event you’re in search of one thing iconic and emblematic of town, take your choose from this record of high souvenirs from Barcelona to take house.
Barcelona is an unforgettable metropolis, filled with artwork, historical past, gothic structure and meals. Just about everybody that’s ever visited Barcelona has fallen in love with it, whether or not it’s been for hen or stag dos, a romantic or group journey or visiting buddies (there’s an enormous expat neighborhood right here). However as quite a lot of journeys listed here are both brief or already crammed with issues to do (you may really match loads in in simply three days), it may be helpful to know what souvenirs to purchase from Barcelona upfront.
From foods and drinks, to native crafts, to iconic and amusing figures, there are numerous nice souvenirs from Barcelona to select from. You can too discover a lot of concepts for presents, whether or not it’s for your self, your accomplice, buddies, household, or youngsters.
What to purchase from Barcelona
Listed here are a few of the greatest souvenirs that really seize the spirit of the Catalan capital.
1. Park Güell lizards
After all – I’m not suggesting you pocket one of many many precise lizards roaming round to take again house. Reasonably, there are numerous lizard-themed souvenirs in Barcelona which can be nice keepsakes and even presents which can be far more appropriate. These are sometimes key chains, coasters, magnets and so on, that are vibrant and vibrant and boast mosaic designs to echo the big ceramic Park Güell lizard designed by Gaudi in 1914.
2. Native olive oil
Catalonia is among the main oil-producing areas in Spain, joint with Andalucia. Which means you will discover high-quality olive oil simply in Barcelona, the area’s capital metropolis. It’s nice for dipping bread into, pouring over salads and – in the event you’re into it – moisturising your pores and skin! You’ll be able to simply choose up a bottle at Santa Catarina Market, or any boutique stalls across the metropolis (there are numerous!).
3. Cava
If you happen to’d slightly take house an alcoholic memento from Barcelona, you possibly can deal with your self to the native wine of town: cava. It’s a glowing white wine, much like Prosecco, however barely heavier with stronger citrus notes than the Italian drink.
You’ll be able to normally order cava from just about any bar in Barcelona, and you’ll even go to one of many many cava-making cities close by (extremely advisable). However in the event you don’t have time to get a bottle from a producer, you may at all times nip to Carrefour or any mini grocery store that sometimes inventory Cava.
4. Espadrilles
The espadrille is a rope-soled shoe that comes from the Catalan phrase ‘espardenya’, which refers back to the esparto grass endemic to Spain (and Portugal and Africa). They’re so versatile and light-weight that espadrilles are identified for being a comfortable summer time shoe. They have been even worn by the likes of Salvador Dali, Picasso and even Yves Sant Laurent (so don’t let anybody inform you they aren’t modern!).
If you happen to wander round El Born and El Gotico, you’ll doubtless stumble throughout espadrille boutique shops. The most effective locations to select up an espadrille is at La Handbook Alpargatera, arguably probably the most well-known espadrille-manufacturing firm, situated proper by the Museu Picasso de Barcelona in El Born.
5. Turrón
If you need a candy memento from Barcelona, Turrón is straightforward to seek out and a well-liked snack within the metropolis. It’s additionally referred to as torró in Catalan, which denotes the nougat Turrón is produced from. It tastes like a biscuit, sometimes made with almonds, honey, egg, and sugar, however you will discover many various flavours too.
One of the crucial particular issues about turrón is that it’s typically given as a present when the Spanish and Catalan go to family and friends. So in the event you’re in search of Barcelona memento presents for family members again house, that is the Catalan means!
6. A caganer figurine
If you happen to’re round throughout Christmas time, you’ll little doubt come throughout a caganer figurine. These are primarily figures of squatting folks defecating. They’re normally made to seem like well-known folks similar to Donald Trump, Messi or Ronaldo, and even the Pope. It’s positively one of many stranger concepts for a memento from Barcelona that in all probability wants explaining again house. Sadly, there’s no precise clarification given as to why they’re so celebrated, though some assume it was linked to luck for fertility?
7. Caga Tió souvenirs
One other faeces-related Christmas memento thought; Barcelona’s Christmas markets are filled with logs with faces on them and crimson hats. This log is definitely often called Tió de Nadal (Uncle Christmas), or extra generally Caga Tio ‘Poo Log’. The rationale behind the nickname Poo Log is that it supposedly excretes Christmas presents to the youngsters who take excellent care of him. Admittedly, it’s an odd different to Santa Claus, however it’s common in Catalan tradition.
8. A caricature of your self from La Rambla
La Rambla is thought for being probably the most touristic avenue in Barcelona, but it surely has a few of the greatest souvenirs and presents to snap up. If you need one thing extra enjoyable, why not get a caricature completed by one of many avenue artists whereas taking within the bohemian, vigorous vibes of the central metropolis hotspot?
There are normally fairly just a few artists to select from, who specialize in creating humorous and exaggerated portraits. When it’s completed, you’ll have a singular memento that provides greater than only a reminiscence – it’s an inventive interpretation of your persona as seen by means of the lens of a Barcelona caricaturist. Let’s hope it’s a pleasant one!
9. Barcelona FC soccer shirt
Barcelona is house to one of the crucial well-known soccer golf equipment and stadiums on the planet, so a soccer shirt or equipment purchased within the metropolis itself is a superb memento to take again. Messi may not be there anymore, however you may nonetheless have a good time its present famend gamers like Jordi Alba, Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie De Jong.
You could possibly head to Camp Nou stadium for official merchandise, or if you’d like an affordable, budget-friendly memento from Barcelona, browse the various outlets round La Rambla and Gotico for a reproduction.
10. Catalan ceramic pottery
Barcelona is thought for its vibrant and complex ceramic pottery, which stands out in bars, eating places and store home windows. It may be present in quite a lot of colors and designs, excellent for an ornamental piece or use within the kitchen. The town’s ceramic craftsmanship specialises in intricate detailing, advanced geometrical shapes or depictions of nature and cultural symbols. You may even have the ability to discover some from an area artist’s studio, making it much more distinctive.
11. Native Barcelona hand-crafted jewelry souvenirs
Small, lightweight and many to select from to match your fashion; jewelry is usually a go-to memento. Barcelona has many markets the place you choose earrings, bracelets, necklaces and extra from native crafters. They are often produced from completely different supplies, like silver, gold, leather-based, crochet. Barcelona is massive on sustainability too, so many artists use recycled or ethically-sourced supplies.
If you happen to don’t discover any at native markets, there’s additionally well-known manufacturers like Klimbim or Martelié to attempt, or head to El Corte Ingles. So whether or not you need easy and chic, or to channel Barcelona’s boho spirit, you will discover an announcement memento to take house.
12. Romesco sauce
If you happen to didn’t have the possibility to do that whilst you have been there, purchase some to take house anyway. It’s a scrumptious tomato-based sauce that goes nicely with just about something. It’s a mix of crimson peppers, tomatoes, almonds, garlic and olive oil, which supplies a nutty-esque flavour. It’s used alongside fish and meat, however significantly with calçots.
You’ll be able to see from the image that these are onion/leek-like greens which can be celebrated in Catalonia, with annual barbecues within the countryside often called calçotadas. However even in the event you don’t make it to a calçotada, you will discover Romesco sauce to dip into at house just about anyplace within the metropolis.
13. Modernist artwork print from native Barcelona artists
If you happen to’ve come to Barcelona for the artwork, then ensure you take a chunk of it again with you as a memento. If I’ve not emphasised it sufficient on this article, town is actually brimming with artists and creatives. Each avenue nook, each stall and each barrio has some genius promoting work, music, sculptures, poetry…you get the image. It’s arguably town of Modernist Artwork although, so discovering a print on this fashion can be an ideal memento of Barcelona.
Finest souvenirs from Barcelona
Whether or not or not you’re planning to buy in Barcelona, you’ll little doubt discover so many stuff you need to take house. The town is known for plenty of locally-produced items, together with artwork, foods and drinks, and extra. These all make for nice souvenirs from Barcelona, so you may relive a few of the culinary, style or enjoyable experiences out of your journey once more.
Earlier than you go, ensure you learn these fascinating information about Barcelona to get pleasure from whilst you’re nonetheless there.
What is known to buy in Barcelona?
Aside from conventional souvenirs like keyrings and jewelry, there’s a lot of issues which can be well-known to buy in Barcelona. It’s identified for style, artwork, meals and wine, and extra, so that you’re type of spoiled for alternative.
What’s the most cost-effective space to purchase in Barcelona?
El Raval is an efficient place to begin, which is normally cheaper than El Gotico and El Born. It’s on the opposite facet of La Rambla, so nonetheless a vacationer scorching spot, which could affect costs.
In any other case, you possibly can select to go additional away from the most well-liked areas to locations like Gracia and Poblenou. They’ve nice outlets with many native designers, artists and store homeowners you could assist too.
Is stuff cheaper in Barcelona?
This actually relies on what you’re shopping for. Objects like cava, wine and low are typically cheaper. Nonetheless, different gadgets like jewelry, artwork and garments will depend upon the place and who you purchase them from. Designer manufacturers are roughly the identical value, nevertheless you’ll doubtless have the ability to discover distinctive items from native artists as you store round.
Quicklist of souvenirs to purchase from Barcelona
- Park Güell lizards
- Native olive oil
- Cava
- Espadrilles
- Turrón
- A caganer figurine
- Caga Tió
- A caricature of your self from La Rambla
- Barcelona FC soccer shirt
- Catalan ceramic pottery
- Hand-crafted jewelry
- Romesco sauce
- Modernist artwork print from an area Barcelona artist
